Lapu-Lapu City preparing to reopen tourism industry

CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) is now preparing for the possible influx of tourists, once the city reopens its tourism industry to the public.

Police Colonel Clarito Baja, chief of the LLCPO, said they are intensifying their mobile patrol and ‘rekorida’ and tightening quarantine control points in preparation for the reopening.

“Together with the police sa barangay, with barangay tanod and our augmentation, so nag-conduct ni sila ug every day na rekorida, at the same time enforcement napud sa mga quarantine violators,” Baja said.

He added that their intensified monitoring is timely since the city ordinance that imposes a P500-fine to violators was now raised to P1000 to first offender.

In the ordinance, Lapu-Lapu residents were urged to practice citizen’s arrest, should they see violators of the health protocols in public areas.

Aside from these, Baja said the tourist police were also instructed to be on alert status, especially with the enforcement of the minimum health standards such as the wearing of face masks and observing social distancing.

“In coordination sa local government, gi-inform naman pud ang mga resorts and hotels to properly observe the minimum health standards.  Andam pud ta kay naa man atoang mga tourist police nga moabag pud sa pag-implimentar ani,” said Baja.

Last week, the Department of Tourism, together with other law enforcement agencies, has already inspected the resorts and tourist destinations.

Baja has assured that there will be policemen assigned in every tourist destination that is frequently visited by tourist not only for security purposes but also for the implementation of health protocols. /GAN (FREEMAN)